Iran Sanctions: Trump Warns European Trading Partners

Local Editor

Following his re-imposition of sanctions on the country, US President Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to anyone trading with Iran.

"Anyone doing business with Iran will NOT be doing business with the United States," the president tweeted.

Some re-imposed sanctions took effect overnight and tougher ones relating to oil exports will begin in November.

His warning was apparently addressed to the EU which put into force a law banning companies from complying with US sanctions or court rulings and enabling them to claim compensation for potential damage.

British Minister of State for the Middle East Alistair Burt said Europe can protect its companies from new US sanctions which were reinstated on Tuesday, as the EU activated a blocking statute to insulate firms against any fallout.

"If a company fears legal action taken against it and enforcement action taken against it by an entity in response to American sanctions then that company can be protected as far as EU legislation is concerned," Burt told BBC radio.

In response, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said the measures were "psychological warfare" which aimed to "sow division among Iranians".

The sanctions follow the US withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, also known as the Iran nuclear deal, earlier this year.

Trump has called the deal "one-sided", "disastrous" and the "worst I've ever seen". He believes renewed economic pressure will force Iran to agree to a new deal.

The European Union, which remains committed to the original agreement, has spoken out against the sanctions, vowing to protect firms doing legitimate business with Iran.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team